Early Ghetto Boys lineup - before they were known as Geto Boys - didn't include Scarface, Willie D or Bushwick Bill. The group -- Raheem, DJ Ready Red and Sir Rap-A-Lot -- released the single "Car Freak" in 1986.

Early Ghetto Boys lineup - before they were known as Geto Boys - didn't include Scarface, Willie D or Bushwick Bill. The group -- Raheem, DJ Ready Red and Sir Rap-A-Lot -- released the single "Car Freak" in ... more

Photo: Michael Ochs Archives, File / Getty

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Before its breakthrough success as a trio, the Geto Boys operated as a quartet in 1990. From left: Willie D, DJ Ready Red, Akshen (aka Scarface) and in the foreground Bushwick Bill.

Before its breakthrough success as a trio, the Geto Boys operated as a quartet in 1990. From left: Willie D, DJ Ready Red, Akshen (aka Scarface) and in the foreground Bushwick Bill.

Robert Earl Davis Jr. was born in Smithville, but started DJing in Houston in the '80s. Around 1990 he began slowing down recordings in a style that would be associated with him for yerars. Considered a hip-hop pioneer as DJ Screw, Davis died in 2000 of a codeine overdose. less

Robert Earl Davis Jr. was born in Smithville, but started DJing in Houston in the '80s. Around 1990 he began slowing down recordings in a style that would be associated with him for yerars. Considered a hip-hop ... more

Photo: Screwed-Up Records

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Travis Scott, who graduated from Elkins High School, signed record deal with Epic in 2012, but really hit it big when his debut studio album Rodeo was released in 2015 and was led by the hit single "Antidote," which hit the top 20 of the Billboard charts. less

Travis Scott, who graduated from Elkins High School, signed record deal with Epic in 2012, but really hit it big when his debut studio album Rodeo was released in 2015 and was led by the hit single ... more

Photo: Jamaal Ellis, For The Chronicle

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Reginald Gilland moved to Houston from Chicago in 1990 and started rapping as Point Blank with the South Park Coalition. He released the double album "No Money, No Reason" in 2014.

Reginald Gilland moved to Houston from Chicago in 1990 and started rapping as Point Blank with the South Park Coalition. He released the double album "No Money, No Reason" in 2014.

Photo: Wreckless Entertainment

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Slim Thug

Slim Thug

Photo: Handout

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Rowdy Williams aka South Park Coalition rapper Ganksta Nip, who released "South Park Psycho" in 1992. He co-wrote the Geto Boys' single "Chuckie" and is credited as an early figure in horrorcore rap.

Rowdy Williams aka South Park Coalition rapper Ganksta Nip, who released "South Park Psycho" in 1992. He co-wrote the Geto Boys' single "Chuckie" and is credited as an early figure in horrorcore rap.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Cedric Hill has rapped as ESG (Everyday Street Gangsta) for more than 20 years. He enjoyed big success in 1995 with his single "Swangin' and Bangin'," though he was temporarily sidetracked by a prison stint.

Cedric Hill has rapped as ESG (Everyday Street Gangsta) for more than 20 years. He enjoyed big success in 1995 with his single "Swangin' and Bangin'," though he was temporarily sidetracked by a prison stint.

Photo: Michael Paulsen

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Trae Tha Truth. Courtesy photo.

Trae Tha Truth. Courtesy photo.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Lil Keke (aka Marcus Edwards) arrived in 1997 with the single "Southside" from his "Don't Mess Wit Texas" album. Keke and Fat Pat also rapped on "25 Lighters," a 1998 hit.

Lil Keke (aka Marcus Edwards) arrived in 1997 with the single "Southside" from his "Don't Mess Wit Texas" album. Keke and Fat Pat also rapped on "25 Lighters," a 1998 hit.

Photo: Brandon Holley

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Z-Ro is one of the most admired and prolific rappers in the city, having put out more than 20 albums -- most of them gritty and grim -- since the late-'90s.

Z-Ro is one of the most admired and prolific rappers in the city, having put out more than 20 albums -- most of them gritty and grim -- since the late-'90s.

Photo: handout

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Kirk Randle is a North Shore High School grad who records as Kirko Bangz. He released several mixtapes and had a Top 100 single with "Drank in My Cup" in 2011. His album "Bigger Than Me" was released in 2015.

Kirk Randle is a North Shore High School grad who records as Kirko Bangz. He released several mixtapes and had a Top 100 single with "Drank in My Cup" in 2011. His album "Bigger Than Me" was released in 2015.

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Chamillionaire (Hakeen Seriki) made several successful collaborations with Paul Wall in the early '00s, as well as recordings for Universal starting in 2005. "The Sound of Revenge" debuted No. 10 on the album charts. less

Chamillionaire (Hakeen Seriki) made several successful collaborations with Paul Wall in the early '00s, as well as recordings for Universal starting in 2005. "The Sound of Revenge" debuted No. 10 on the album ... more

Photo: Handout

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Wesley Eric Weston Jr., better-known as Lil Flip, had a huge underground hit in 2000 with his album "The Leprechaun."

Wesley Eric Weston Jr., better-known as Lil Flip, had a huge underground hit in 2000 with his album "The Leprechaun."

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Mayra Beltran / Houston Chronicle

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rapper Devin the Dude

rapper Devin the Dude

Photo: Shane Nash

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Port Arthur rapper DJ Dorie Dorsey (aka, DJ DMD) made a Houston hip-hop classic with "25 Lighters," which would later be covered by ZZ Top. Dorsey in 2003 turned his life around and now makes faith-based hip-hop. less

Port Arthur rapper DJ Dorie Dorsey (aka, DJ DMD) made a Houston hip-hop classic with "25 Lighters," which would later be covered by ZZ Top. Dorsey in 2003 turned his life around and now makes faith-based ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen

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After years of performing and recording, UGK enjoyed wider renown thanks to its album "Ridin' Dirty" in 1996 and a guest spot on Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'" four years later. But Pimp C's incarceration quieted the duo for several years. In 2007 UGK released the epic "Underground Kingz," which had the hit "International Player's Anthem."

After years of performing and recording, UGK enjoyed wider renown thanks to its album "Ridin' Dirty" in 1996 and a guest spot on Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'" four years later. But Pimp C's incarceration quieted the

K-Rino founded the South Park Coalition in 1986 and is a pioneering Houston rapper. He's released his music independently his entire career, with dozens of recordings to his credit.

K-Rino founded the South Park Coalition in 1986 and is a pioneering Houston rapper. He's released his music independently his entire career, with dozens of recordings to his credit.

Photo: Billy Smith II, Staff

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Welcome to Houston

The Welcome to Houston set Saturday evening, comprising the greatest living rappers Houston has had to offer this past decade, was easily the most homey feeling set of Saturday, and probably of the weekend. The festival organizers snagged Slim Thug, Z-Ro, Bun B, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, and Devin The Dude to be all onstage together and it was a coup. -- Craig Hlavaty

Born in Houston, Lecrae has released six albums in 10 years. He's become enormously popular for his songs, which reflect his Christian faith.

Born in Houston, Lecrae has released six albums in 10 years. He's become enormously popular for his songs, which reflect his Christian faith.

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle

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Brad Jordan remains a crucial figure in Houston hip-hop. In addition to his work with the Geto Boys, Scarface has put out a dozen solo albums including the new "Deeply Rooted." In 2015 he also released an autobiography, "Diary of a Madman." less

Brad Jordan remains a crucial figure in Houston hip-hop. In addition to his work with the Geto Boys, Scarface has put out a dozen solo albums including the new "Deeply Rooted." In 2015 he also released an ... more

Photo: Todd Spoth For The Chronicle, PHOTOGRAPHER

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In addition to work with the Geto Boys, Willie Dennis, aka Willie D, has put out several solo albums and also writes an advice column for the Houston Press.

In addition to work with the Geto Boys, Willie Dennis, aka Willie D, has put out several solo albums and also writes an advice column for the Houston Press.

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle

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Roosh Williams titled his album "Unorthodox," which is fitting. He attended junior high and high school in Katy, the son of Persian parents who came here from Iran.

Roosh Williams titled his album "Unorthodox," which is fitting. He attended junior high and high school in Katy, the son of Persian parents who came here from Iran.

Photo: Karen Warren, Staff

Houston rappers reflect on UGK's legendary 'Too Hard to Swallow'

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UGK for life.

That's the rallying cry that has carried the Port Arthur duo into legend status over the past several years. And it all began with 1992 debut album "Too Hard To Swallow."

That collection helped introduce UGK to the world and threw down a gauntlet for southern hip-hop. It boasted rhymes and production that were far ahead of their time. (Several of its songs originally appeared on earlier EP "The Southern Way.")

This song is basically about confronting any haters by telling them 'something good.' In other words, you're about to tell them what's on your mind while being ready for a fight. I love it when Pimp C says, 'But I ain't bout to f*** her, 'cause I'm scared of that disease/'Cause she's passin' out the ass like government cheese.' I'm really inspired when another lyricist can sprinkle game throughout the song but do it in a way where it doesn't feel so serious. So tell me something good.

It is good to know that even when he's being a romantic, Pimp C is going to be Pimp C. I don't think there is another artist in the history of hip-hop that proves that a rapper's greatest tool is his or her's personal perception of the world around them. Many times in hip-hop it isn't what you say that resonates with people, it is the fact that nobody else is going to put it the same way you did. If you are doing it right, there is only one you. There was certainly only one Pimp C. That, to me, is his greatest strength and his greatest legacy. There are a million songs about relationships, but there's only one 'Use Me Up.' Pimp C produced this song as well. It definitely sounds like a product of the early '90s, but you can definitely hear him flirting with techniques that would be become staples in hip-hop production moving forward. Most notably his use of the Bill Withers vocal sample for the hook.

'Pocket Full Of Stones' has always been one of my favorite UGK songs. Their sound is the epitome of southern hip-hop. That hook is delivered so smooth and sounds so right when you're riding down 59 with the windows down. Bun has always been one of our strongest rappers lyrically, and he continues to be such a great influence on this new generation of rappers. Pimp C had this thing where no matter what he said, it sounded so perfect. I was almost two when this album came out, and it's amazing to see it's still as powerful today. Long live the Pimp. UGK for life.

Hearing this song gets me really excited. The way they were able to paint a picture of their experiences in the hood so vividly and tell the unadulterated truth is so exhilarating. Hate it or love it, you have to respect it. UGK for life!

To me, if you consider yourself a real Pimp C fan, I mean a REAL fan of Pimp, then this is likely your favorite Pimp verse: 'I'm Pimp C, b***h/So what the f*ck is up?!' Direct, gritty, raw. That is how you introduce yourself. Let's be real. This is possibly the greatest MC intro lyric ever. This song in a way is UGK's introduction to the world. It was originally the first song on their debut ep 'The Southern Way.' Many suggest that 'Pocket Full of Stones' represents the earliest incarnation of what Bun would become as an artist. 'Cocaine' is absolutely that for Pimp in my opinion. Rap wise, Pimp could ride the beat the way a big Cadillac drives -- smooth and effortless. He rapped like Al Green sings, with a soul and a realness that completely draws you in. His gritty lyrics and production style helped shape the sound to come from the Houston area for many years. This song is Pimp's manifesto that no one would sound like him musically. No one would rap like him lyrically. And that no matter what, you will not forget his name. 'Too Hard To Swallow' is still one of my favorite albums all these years later.

This album changed my childhood and the way I viewed gangsta rap. I first heard 'It's Too Hard To Swallow' when I was eight, playing basketball in the Northside at Moody Park, and I would never be the same. The feel-good melodies and funky beats are a perfect example of what real rap used to be about. Back when people told stories and painted pictures with their rhymes. Bun B is still one of my favorite lyricists, and UGK will forever be pioneers of the South and to rap/hip-hop as a whole. RIP PIMP C.

'And, don't take it personal when I bail on ya/Just smoke a cigarette and kick it in the sauna ...'

That line always cracks me up because it's so player. First off, I have to say every UGK record is a classic, and 'Cramping My Style' is like a player's anthem before 'International Player's Anthem.' I have always liked the contrast of perspectives between UGK and Infinity. It's trill AF -- am I allowed to say that? From a producer's standpoint, the Isley Brothers' sample is a classic. Most people on the East Coast know it from Biggie, Keith Murray or even Gwen Stefani's 'Luxurious.' But all the real Texas heads know what's up. Also, I must note the fire use of a stereo delay on the vocals at the end of each verse. This was not popular in '92 but they were way ahead of their time with that. Much love to UGK, and thank you for inspiring millions.

This song really speaks to trapping through a lens that is often ignored into today's music. Most often we hear about the glorification and glamorization of what it means to be a successful drug dealer. But what about the ugly parts that so often get swept under the rug? At the end of the record Pimp seems to be relieved that he is not a fiend. On the other hand, it shows that subconsciously he sympathizes and understands in detail what his customers go through on a daily basis. Yet still in the end money reigns supreme.

Here we go. Classic Pimp C pushing the envelope. Just like the shocker Biggie dropped in 'Me and My Girlfriend.' Pimp C showed why he was so bad. I mean, hey, at least it's your own. I didn't take it in the literal sense but Pimp talk for 'I don't need you if you're not down.' That's the spirit of Pimp C. Just straight to the point and no filler.

I distinctly remember being mystified by most of the lyrics but understanding enough to not let my parents hear what was in my Walkman. The album is undeniably classic and has its fair share of records that immediately take me back to that time. The album is full of amazing songs with lush production that was far ahead of its time. But even with all that, one of the biggest takeaways for me has always been the fact that it's the first time I ever heard the word 'trill.' Seeing it in the track listing is the only reason I knew how to spell it correctly. It's everywhere now. Trill is global. There are kids in Iceland rapping about being trill right now. That blows my mind.

I love this album and this song. I was introduced to UGK, and specifically 'Too Hard to Swallow,' pretty early on, but this was still years after it first came out. I think the fact that there was still a pretty big time gap between its initial release and when I first heard it helped me and allowed me to appreciate how ahead of their time UGK really was. It had been out for more than a decade at that point and still every song sounded and felt brand new. The vivid imagery and unique yet contrasting vocal tones instantly captivated me. '976-BUNB' has always been a standout song to me. I really dig the fact it's just Bun on the song. They also sampled 'First Choice' for the beat, which is incredible. It's packed with humor, backed by gritty verbiage and blanketed with that rated-R, crude-and-rude-in-your-face demeanor UGK always carried. Plus I love how the dial tone at the end of the song matches the drums and plays on beat.

Songs like this are legendary and have impacted the South forever. 'Something Good' gives you that classic southern vibe. Pimp C and Bun B have always embodied quality street music. The electric guitar mixed with the other instrumentals really help drive the beat. Pimp C's harmonies underneath Bun B's verses is one of my favorite parts.